Aurélie Bidermann’s Guide to Wearing Jewelry Like a French Girl
In honor of Bastille Day, Yahoo Style and Yahoo Beauty are examining what it means to be “French” — the myths, fantasies, and realities that all help define that certain je ne sais quoi. What’s vrai, what’s faux, and what’s nouvelle? Read on.
One thing I’ve never felt overly confident in is my ability to accessorize. So I tend to keep things minimal, wearing only a watch and the earrings I sleep in — though occasionally I’ll swap them out for some other little studs. And every so often, if the mood really strikes, I may try a barely there necklace.
It’s not that I don’t have the funding to buy jewelry (OK so that’s mostly it, but…), I just don’t typically feel the need. But not this week. Because this week I wasn’t myself: I was a French girl. And to fully transform into one of these graceful, mysterious, and permanently lusted-after beings, I needed to look the part.
So, with a baguette in tow (because, French), I bicycled (also French?) over to jewelry designer Aurélie Bidermann’s Madison Avenue boutique to get the low-down on how to accessorize like, well, a French girl. There, surrounded by glistening charm bracelets, carved wood bangles, and playful woven pieces that recalled a summer camp experience I certainly couldn’t afford, I felt like a nouveau Audrey Hepburn — but more French.
Born in Paris, Bidermann herself exudes French allure — from her loose, sandy hair to her sun-kissed freckles to her easy, tonal layers of clothing. She has a sophisticated air about her that really makes you listen to every word she’s saying, whether it’s a pearl of wisdom regarding which rings you should be wearing with which bracelets, or a “merci beaucoup” when you’ve complimented her incredible custom-made pink sectional. (She’s also expecting her first baby — an extremely lucky little girl — this summer.) Of course, her accent doesn’t hurt, either.
Without further ado, these are Aurélie Bidermann’s tips for wearing jewelry like a French girl.
Yahoo Style: How would you describe the way a French girl chooses her jewelry and accessories?
Bidermann: She likes to mix and match the fine pieces with the costume, different colors, patterns, and textures. Layering is also important in terms of bracelets and necklaces. I always say more is more!
What’s the one piece of jewelry or accessory every French girl has/must have?
For me it is my gold bangles: I wear eight on each wrist and never take them off. Each one has a different charm or symbol that has a special meaning to me. It’s smart to invest in an accessory or piece of jewelry that is classic and something you can see yourself wearing long term.
Why do you think Americans are so fascinated by the idea of “French girls?”
Americans have this fantasy of the everyday Parisian girl — an effortless, natural beauty — but it’s actually more work to look natural and effortless, ha! I think the notable French beauties of the past, like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, have given Americans this impression, but it’s all a myth!
Is there anything you think French girls have adopted from American girls, style-wise?
Personally, I’ve started to wear more “full looks,” which is definitely something I see American women doing more so than French women. It’s new for me, but I don’t hate it!
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